Though the original Thanksgiving was centuries ago, this time of year still inspires people to share and take care of friends and families and sometimes complete strangers.

For the Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, this job exists all year long, not just at turkey time.

The Ministerial Alliance, which is a joint ministry between several churches in Farmersville, offers local families who need food assistance a chance to get essentials to help them through difficult times.

On average, the pantry serves between 55 to 65 families a week, according to information provided by alliance volunteer Judy Brandon.

Since the pantry became a “lay ministry” of the First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church in April 2010, 304 families have been served.

Though First Baptist Church and FUMC are the main churches involved with the Ministerial Alliance, it is a community project, not restricted to just a few churches, Brandon said.

“We would love to see more churches get involved and more people get involved. There is a need, and we want to address that need as best we can,” she said.

From a volunteer standpoint, Brandon said it is very rewarding to see different churches and denominations come together with one purpose – to help those who need help.

“There are no differences at this point. We all work equally and all work in harmony,” Brandon said. “The other rewarding thing is to know that we are making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small that difference is. We are helping.”

Fresh fruits and vegetables are also always welcome at the pantry, Brandon said.

Monetary donations are also always welcome because they can be used to obtain items at a better cost.

Along with food items, volunteers are always welcome to serve at the pantry.

The pantry is open every Thursday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Judy Brandon at

972-782-7310 or Lois Sterry at 469-396-6941.

Photo by Wyndi Veigel

From left are Ray Feagin, Johnny Pat Bratcher, Lois Sterry, James Guvvala,
Judy Brandon, Shirley Weldon, Bonnie Cheek and Sheila Slaughter.
Bratcher presented a check to help pay for food for the Ministerial Alliance.

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